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[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Jean]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=Heads]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Next on News 7-
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Some local folks prepare to head to Washington to tell Senators what they think of impeachment.
Early Standards of learning test results are in.
Plus get set to start paying more for postage-
And people go to court to get a web page off the internet.
(------------)
[Talent=Jean]

[Impeachment]

A historic day on Capitol Hill.
Senators took an oath- then the trial of William Jefferson Clinton began.
[Double Boxes=Jean/Newspath]

Jonathan Freed is covering proceedings and tells us what happened from Washington.
[Live=Full/Newspath]
[SUPER=01-Jonathan Freed/Reporting]
[SUPER=05-Washington DC;]
( ad lib)
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC]
[Super=01-Rep. Henry Hyde/(R) Illinois; QUICK!!!]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Trent Lott/(R) Majority Leader;]
[Super=01-Joe Lockhart/White House Press Secretary;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=CBS News, Washington]
((In the United States Senate, it was a day of somber constitutional ritual.
NATSOT: HERE YE, HERE YE...
The impeachment trial of the President had finally begun.
The team of prosecutors from the House of Representatives came to read the case against Mr. Clinton...articles of impeachment charging perjury
and obstruction of justice in the Monica Lewinsky affair.
The Chief Justice of the United States arrived to take an oath as the presiding officer of the trial. William Rehnquist then swore in all 100 Senators...
...transforming them into jurors.
The trial gets under way without a defined plan of where to go from here.
Republicans and Democrats have been at odds over how long the case
should run...and whether to call witnesses.
Later on Thursday...
...the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders announced that both sides would get together on Friday to push for a compromise.
SEN. TRENT LOTT/MAJORITY LEADER): WE ARE IN UNCHARTED WATERS. THERE ARE SOME PRECEDENTS-- BUT THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS WE ARE
HAVING TO ADDRESS THAT ARE DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING THAT'S EVER BEEN ADDRESSED BEFORE IN HISTORY.
The White House is proposing that the trial be based on the facts presented in the thousands of pages of grand jury testimony and the Independent Counsel's report.
JOE LOCKHART/WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: IT IS THE MOST PREJUDICIAL RECORD THAT COULD POSSIBLY EXIST. BUT WE BELIEVE WE CAN EFFECTIVELY MAKE OUR CASE.
It's an attempt to avoid calling witnesses...and expedite the trial.
JONATHAN FREED/CBS NEWS: THE TRIAL IS IN RECESS, SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE CHAIR. THE REPUBLICANS ARE PROPOSING THAT IT PICK UP
AGAIN NEXT THURSDAY. J-F...WASHINGTON.)
[Live= Full/Newspath]
[SUPER=05-Washington DC]
( ad lib)

[Petition]

Rockbridge area residents upset about the upcoming impeachment trial are taking their complaints to Washington.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lexington/File Tape;]

The residents held a rally December 21st, protesting the impeachment of the President -- and circulated a petition.

So far 150 people have signed it.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 16.04.59 - 16.05.11]
[IN Q=We were hoping]
((AMY DEHART/RALLY ORGANIZER: WE WERE HOPING TO ACCOMPLISH THAT THE PUBLIC HAS SOME KIND OF ROLE TO FULFILL IN THIS PROCESS OF GOVERNING, THAT PEOPLE GET OUT FROM THEIR SOFAS, OUT FROM BEHIND THEIR TELEVISIONS-- TAKING ACTION.))
[SUPER=01-Amy DeHart/Organizer;]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=taking action.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

City councilmember Reverend LaVert Taylor and other residents are leaving for the nation's capitol in the next few days.
They plan to meet with Senator John Warner, hand over the petition, and voice their concerns.
(------------)

[Va-Impeachment]

Many people want to take a look at history in the making themselves.
Some are waiting in line for a fifteen minute glimpse at history-
Ellen Qualls reports from Capitol HIll.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ]
[IN Q=The senators]
[SUPER=03-Washington; :00]
[SUPER=01-Eric Lundquist/Annandale Resident; :15]
[SUPER=01-Susan Magill/Warner Chief of Staff; :38]
[SUPER=01-Carrington Lundquist/Arlington Resident;1:01 :]
[super=@Ellen1; 1:26]
[RUNS=1:41]
[OUT Q=EQ, N7]
(([13:40:34 WARNER SIGNING OATH]
The Senators themselves, in fact, grabbed a souvenir today.
Each took his or her pen after signing the juror's oath.
Amazingly, though, there is room for Virginians who just show up to get into to see it for themselves.
[ sot 14:48:16 ]
((ERIC LUNDQUIST/ANNANDALE RESIDENT: WE DIDN'T THINK WE COULD. WE SAW THE LINE OUT THERE AND SAW THAT IT WAS VERY SHORT SO WE THOUGHT LET'S GIVE IT A GO.))
[runs= :07]

That's with a sort of general admission ticket.
Warner requested 500 to start with.
But there are also four rotating tickets per Senator that theoretically have NO time limit.
[ sot 14:53:37]
((SUSAN MAGILL/WARNER CHIEF OF STAFF: WE'RE TRYING TO DO THOSE BASICALLY ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS, BUT I MUST TELL YOU THAT WE ALREADY HUNDREDS OF REQUESTS FOR THOSE TICKETS, SO I THINK PEOPLES' BEST SHOT IS TO GET THE 15 MINUTE TICKETS AND GO IN THAT WAY. THE OTHER THING WE HAVE TO CAUTION PEOPLE IS WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE NEXT DAY OF THE TRIAL IS GONNA BE FOR SURE, SO YOU NEED TO CHECK THAT BEFORE YOU JOURNEY TO THE CAPITOL.))
[runs= :21]

[ sot 14:47:29]
((How do you feel about this whole process? CARRINGTON LUNDQUIST/ARLINGTON RESIDENT: A LITTLE CONFUSED. BUT KIND OF CURIOUS TO SEE WHAT'S REALLY GONNA HAPPEN. NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE. SO IT MAKES IT MORE EXCITING I GUESS.))
[runs= :14]

Don't doubt, as exciting as it is for you, it's nerve-wracking for the folks who hold the President's fate in their hands.
Chuck Robb's still NOT even willing to talk about it-- no matter how the question's asked.
[ sot 15:09:53]
((SEN. CHUCK ROBB/D-VIRGINIA: NICE TRY.))
[runs= :02]

ELLEN: So you can call or e-mail Senator Robb or Senator Warner's offices and find out how to get on their limited ticket list or you can just show up for the 15 minute ticket. But please call ahead or follow the story from home because it is rapidly changing. Ellen Qualls, News 7, Washington.))

[Halmode]

Yet ANOTHER round of apparel layoffs is in the near-future for area workers.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[from tape 98-58 at 24:33]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/August;]

Halmode is dismissing another 60 people in Roanoke.
This, after it laid off almost half of its workforce last August.
The Roanoke facility used to employ more than 400-people.
After these layoffs, that number will fall to 170.
Halmode also announced it will close its Covington facility in March.
That will leave 25-people out of work.
(------------)
[anchor=Jean]
[graphic=hold]

Last year there were more than 20 rounds of layoffs at apparel plants in the area.

[SOL]

School systems across the Commonwealth are receiving report cards this week- scores that show how individual schools measure up to the Standards of Learning.
Tomorrow, the Virginia Department of Education will release the pass rates for recent statewide testing.
But as Joe Dashiell reports, some localities have offered an early look.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It was very upsetting]
[SUPER=01-Caroline Butt/Bedford Co. Parent; :00 quick]
[SUPER=03-Bedford; :06]
[SUPER=01-James Blevins/Bedford Co. School Super.; :18]
[SUPER=01-Wayne Tripp/Salem School Super.; :40]
[RUNS=1:08]
[OUT Q=JD News 7]
(( [SOT 15:03 ]
[IN Q=It was very upsetting]
[RUNS= 05]
[OUT Q=to see how Bedford did.]

Caroline Butt has three children in the Bedford County school system. She hopes disappointing results from the first round of testing will spur improvements in the classroom.
That's exactly what Superintendent James Blevins says is already happening.
[SOT 08:38]
[IN Q=We determined]
[RUNS= 07]
[OUT Q=to do some improvement.]

The news is more encouraging in the city of Salem, another school division that offered an early look at the results.
While some subjects such as Algebra II, fifth grade math, history and social science need attention, individual schools pass rates in Salem exceeded statewide averages in almost every subject and grade level.
[SOT 09:39]
[IN Q=We're not satisfied]
[RUNS= 18]
[OUT Q=I think we'll get there.]

While performance varies, most school systems face a similar result... some encouraging results... but plenty of problems as well.
Joe Dashiell News 7))
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

Beginning tomorrow you can find out how all state schools did on the Standards of Learning tests...
(------------)
[Take GFX Page]
by calling up WDBJ-7-dot-com ...
Then click on "Webwatch" -- the scores will appear as soon as the state releases them.
(------------)

[I-81-Ax]

Four days after a pileup on Interstate 81 killed 4 people, both lanes of travel are now open to traffic.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rockbridge Co./Sunday]

The Northbound lanes are open at the Buffalo Creek bridge, near milemarker 184.
Traffic had been restricted to a single lane during the day, while debris and fuel spills were cleared up.
(------------)

[wipe wipe wipe][Vinton-Accident]

A small battle in Vinton today between a bridge and a truck...it looks like the bridge won.
The roof of this trucker's rig crinkled like tin foil, as he drove under the bridge at Walnut Street and Wise Avenue.
Once the metal was pounded back into place, he was able to back out.
He was stuck for about two hours. Police did not file any charges.

(------------)[School-Closing]

Icy roads continue to give some area students a break from school.
You'll find the latest school information along the bottom of your screen.
(------------)
[Take GFX Page]
And if you have access to the internet, you can find our complete list of weather-related delays and cancellations any time. Just call up our home page, WDBJ-7-dot-com.
(------------)
[Toss-2-Robin]
Jean tosses to Robin in the Chromakey

[Tease1]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Still ahead, more trouble in Iraq.
And residents of a Franklin County neighborhood threaten to sue so they can take a decent shower.
We'll explain.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Plus, abortion providers are going to court to get rid of a web site they say could be deadly to doctors.
(-------------)

[sports-preview]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[WRITER=MST]
[TAPE#=sports preview]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=WELCOME]
((Hey folks welcome to your Thursday night. UVa gives Maryland all it wants and more tonight.
Former Cav Curtis Staples is getting ready for a shot with the Bulls. While Dell Curry talks about ending the lockout.
And we'll check out some ODAC women's action from Hollins tonight. See you in a few minutes with the sports.))
[RUNS=:21]
[OC=...THE sports."]

(------------)[Franklin-Heights]

Some residents of a Franklin County neighborhood say they will sue if that's what it takes to get a good shower.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]

Residents of the Franklin Heights subdivision say their water pressure's so low -- they can not wash the shampoo out of their hair.
Sometimes they can't even flush the toilets at the local church.
So they've signed a petition to MAKE the town of Rocky Mount accept them and build PUBLIC utility lines there.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 9:41:51]
[IN Q=Now I would not]
((FRAN VAUGHAN/FRANKLIN HEIGHTS RESIDENT: NOW I WOULD NOT WANT THEM TO ANNEX US AND THEN TAKE FIVE OR TEN YEARS TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO ABOUT OUR WATER SYSTEM. IT'S GOING TO BE AN IMMEDIATE SITUATION FOR THEM. THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF IT IMMEDIATELY.))
[SUPER=01-Fran Vaughan/Franklin Heights Resident;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=take care of it immediately]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The town of Rocky Mount says it will take in Franklin Heights, but only if Franklin County also gives them Wal-Mart for commercial profit.
The town and county are negotiating.
Franklin Heights residents say they will sue later this month if the two governments cannot reach a deal themselves.
(------------)

[Iraq]

U-S Military officials say the action was in self defense.
The pilot says Iraqi radar locked onto his plane- while he patrolled the no fly zone over Northern Iraq.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 15:23:22]
[IN Q=We will continue]
((KEN BACON/PENTAGON SPOKESMAN: WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT OUR FORCES AND TO PROTECT THE NO FLY ZONE BY WHATEVER MEANS WE FEEL ARE NECESSARY.))
[SUPER=01-Ken Bacon/Pentagon Spokesman]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=feel are necessary.]
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]

[Abortion]

It's a web site that compares abortion providers to Nazi War criminals.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The site shows lines drawn through the names of doctors who've been killed.
[SUPER=03-Portland, OR]

Now in Portland, Oregon abortion providers are in court trying to force the Nuremberg site off the Internet and collect millions in damages.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 20:20:58]
((VICKI SAPORTA:IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT THEY'RE NOT ALLOWED TO HIDE BEHIND FREE SPEECH WHEN WAHT THEY'RE REALLY DOING IS THREATENING ABORTION PROVIDERS EVERY DAY ACROSS THIS COUNTRY.))
[IN Q=It's very important]
[SUPER=07-Vicki Saporta;]
[RUNS=09]
[OUT Q=THIS COUNTRY.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A militant anti-abortionist created the site.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=20:21:16]
((NEAL HORSLEY/NUREMBERG WEB SITE: WHEN PEOPLE START KILLING PEOPLE, THERE'S A LAW THAT TAKES OVER THAT TRANSCENDS TEH LAW ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THAT IS CALLED THE LAW OF GOD.))
[SUPER=01-Neal Horsley/Nuremberg Web Site]
[RUNS=11]
[OUT Q=law of God]
(----------)
[vo-nat]
The case is being watched closely because doctors across the nation are on the list- and also because up until now the courts have ruled that most of what is in Cyberspace is protected speech.
(------------)

[Tease2]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Coming up, the local N-double-A-C-P chapter is helping to expand scholarship opportunities and...
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
you only have two more days to use all your 32 cent stamps without having to add additional postage.
The story still ahead on News 7.
(----------------)

[ACT-SO]

The Roanoke branch of the N-double-A-C-P is trying to get the word out about a new college scholarship opportunity for students.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

The group is sponsoring a local ACT-SO competition.
It stands for the Afro-Academic, Cultural Technological and Scientific Olympics.
Tonight the group held its first information session.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 17.54.52 - 17.55.08]
[IN Q=The ACT-SO program]
((FLOSSIE BELL-LOMAX/ACT-SO COORDINATOR:THE ACT-SO PROGRAM NATIONALLY GIVES OVER 50,000 DOLLARS WORTH OF SCHOLARSHIPS--LOCAL AND NATIONAL COMPANIES AS WELL RECOGNIZE STUDENTS BY GIVING THEM LAP TOP COMPUTERS AS WELL AS FULL SCHOLARSHIPS TO SPACE CAMP, SCIENCE CAMP, OR OTHER CAMPS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO THEIR PARTICULAR AREA OF INTEREST.))
[SUPER=01-Flossie Bell-Lomax/ACT-SO Coordinator;]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=area of interest.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Students compete by preparing projects in various areas including science, technology and the arts.
Local winners go on to compete in a national competition which offers scholarship money to the winners.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Jean]
[GRAPHIC=hold]

Applications are available at guidance offices at Roanoke City Schools.
The deadline to sign-up is January 20th.

[Stamps]

Start saving your pennies now.
You will need them to add to your old 32 cent stamps Monday morning when the new postage rate takes over.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Christiansburg]

Take a look at the new 33 cent stamps .. they even wish you a happy new year. Plenty of people in post offices like Christianburg were were buying the new stamps today.
And the postal service is ready with many other 33-cent designs for the rest of the year.
If you still have plenty of 32's, the post office has stocked up on 1-cent stamps to help out.
The new, 33 cent rate stakes effect on Sunday.
(------------)
[Forecasts]
[SUPER=#577;]
[SUPER=X5000;]
[SUPER=330-Light Sleet/And Snow/28-30/Rain/Likely/34-36;]
[SUPER=331-Light/Sleet/30-35/Freezing Rain/Likely/34-38;]
[SUPER=332-1" Snow And/Sleet/28-30/Rain/Likely/36-38;]
[SUPER=333-Snow/Developing/28-30/Freezing Rain/Then Rain/34-36;]
[SUPER=334-1-2" Snow/Likely/24-28/Snow Changing/To Rain/34-36;]

[SUPER=X5001;][S-Extra]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]

College Basketball highlights from UVa and Hollins are on the way along the local side of the NBA lockout resolution as we check in with Curtis Staples and Dell Curry.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=75-San Diego, CA; :00]

This was a homecoming of sorts for some lady Eagles as former Parry McCuer star Lindsey Coleman and former Shawsville hoopster Sarah Hagood returned the valley.
Bridgewater would take an early lead as Heather Landes lobs the ball to Amanda Kyger for the bucket.
Hollins would go to its inside game as Clarissa Johnson, also from Parry McCluer nails the short jumper. Hollins trails by 3.
Bridgewater would shoot the lights though, as Angela Osborn bottoms out this jumper to increase the lead to 5.
Hollins' Kellie Duncan would then get an assist to Troyleena Pate, who does a good job of chopping into the Eagles' advantage.
[SUPER=33-Bridgewater/76/Hollins/42;]

But Bridgewater and Connie Richie pull away and improve to 5-and-1 in the ODAC with the 76-to-42 win.
(------------)

[S-UVa]

In the ACC, in a game many of you saw last night here on WDBJ-7, UVa almost upset 5th ranked Maryland.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville/JP Sports; :00]

UVa athletic director Terry Holland certainly wasn't thinking about an upset in the first half when Maryland went up 16-to-4.
In fact, this Willie Dersch hoop ended an 11 minute drought for the Cavs. They were lucky to just trail by 17, 37-to-20 at halftime.
But instead of folding, the Cavs almost cracked the terps shells. They got the lead down to single digits and within three in the closing minutes.
[SUPER=33-Maryland #5/71/Virginia/66;]

But Steve Francis would save the day as Maryland escapes with a 71-to-66 win.
(------------)

[S-Staples]

The Cavs sure could have used Curtis Staples last night.
[graphic=nba lockout]

But Roy Stanely says now that the lockout is over Curtis is looking ahead to the NBA and his chance at making the Chicago Bulls' roster.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="First audio]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Curtis Staples/NBA Free Agent Rookie; :16]
[SUPER=03-Greensboro, NC; :36]
[SUPER=@Roy1; 1:18]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=....news 7 sports."]
(---------------)
((While the N-B-A owners and players were in the lockout, Staples was busy working with kids at the Y-M-C-A in his Quick Release basketball program.
Now, Staples is ready to report to the Chicago bulls and begin his career in the N-B-A.))
((CURTIS STAPLES/NBA FREE AGENT:))
((The uncertainity of Michael Jordan playing another year in Chicago and the fact that the Bulls have only four players under contract seems to favor Staples.
Matter of fact, After watching Staples workout out in camps before the lockout, the Bulls informed the N-C-Double-A's all time three point shooter that they wanted him to be part of the Bulls regulding process.))
((STAPLES:))
((ROY STANDUP:))
(------------)

[S-Lynch]

Roanoke's George Lynch is also a free agent.
He now has only has a couple of weeks to find
a team and get used to his new teammates and surroundings.
George could end up back in Vancouver with the Grizzlies, but several other teams are interested in his services.
He was close to playing in Europe before the lockout ended.
(------------)

[S-Hartman]

Coach Chuck Hartman is set to begin his 21st season in Blacksburg as the Virginia Tech baseball coach. Hartman underwent successful triple bypass surgery this past August and is all set for another run at an Atlantic 10 title.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q="I]
((CHUCK HARTMAN/VA. TECH BASEBALL COACH:))
[SUPER=01-Chuck Hartman/Va. Tech Head Coach; :00]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=...baseball season"]
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]

The Hokies lost to Fordham in the A-10 championship last year. Offensively, with third baseman Chad Foutz returing from a knee injury, the Hokies could be conference and national contenders.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We have]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=...before the year's out"]
(---------------)
[wipe to nfl]

[S-NFL]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=]
(--------------)
[go to pinnacle 7501]
Folks don't forget on Saturday this is your home for the top NFL game of the weekend as Dolphins meet the Broncos in the AFC playoffs at four.
(--------------)
[go to pinnacle 7503]
Sunday, the AFC action continues as the Jaguars take on the Jets in the Meadowlands at one right after the NFL Today.
(---------------)

[Dog-Rescue]

The icy conditions aren't only wreaking havoc for humans -- some animals are slipping and sliding as well.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rochester, NY]
For five freezing days, this New York pooch named Snoopy was trapped on an ice coated river.
Two concrete retaining walls prevented him from having a way off of the ice.
Animal control officers and fire fighters tried to rescue Snoopy, but he was too scared to come to them.
Finally, a family member of Snoopy's owner saw the stranded canine on a local tv station and called his owner.
When she arrived, Snoopy ran into her arms for a tearful reunion.
He's lost a little weight, but Snoopy is recovering nicely.
(------------)